User manual

Quick Start Guide PicoScope USB Oscilloscope
DO231-1 Copyright © 2006-2013 Pico Technology Ltd. All rights reserved. 13
1.3 Contents
Please check that your PicoScope PC Oscilloscope package contains:
• PicoScope PC Oscilloscope
• USB cable
• Pico software disc
• Quick Start Guide
Some product packs and scope bundles may contain additional items. See the
User’s Guide for a full contents list.
1.4 System requirements
To ensure that PicoScope operates correctly, you must have a computer with at least
the minimum system requirements, as shown in the following table. The performance
of the PicoScope software will improve with a more powerful PC, and will benet from
a multi–core processor.
Item Minimum specication Recommended specication
Operating system Windows XP (SP3), Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows 8.
32– or 64–bit (not Windows RT).
Processor 300 MHz 1 GHz
Memory 256 MB 512 MB
Free disk space* 1 GB 2 GB
Ports USB 1.1 port USB 2.0/3.0 port**
* The PicoScope software does not use all the disk space specied in the table. The
free space is required to make Windows run eciently.
** Oscilloscopes which use USB 3.0 may not achieve the maximum specications
when plugged in to a USB 2.0 port.
1.5 Installing the PicoScope software
1. Insert the Pico software disc into your CD drive. It should start
automatically, but if it does not simply go to My Computer and select
the Pico CD.
2. Select the appropriate language.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to install the PicoScope software. Do not connect
the oscilloscope until the installation is complete.
4. If your oscilloscope is mains powered, connect the mains lead (line cord) to the
mains adaptor, and plug it into a mains power socket. Then connect the DC power
lead to the back of the oscilloscope, and switch on the mains power.
5. Connect the oscilloscope to your PC using the USB cable supplied. See the
connection diagram below for more information.
6. Follow the instructions in the Windows New Hardware Found wizard, which will
run automatically. If the wizard asks to connect to Windows Update, select No.
7. The New Hardware Found wizard may run twice. If this happens, repeat the
previous step.
8. Select PicoScope 6 from the Windows Start menu.
9. If the oscilloscope has a probe connected, touching the probe tip with a nger
should show a small 50 Hz or 60 Hz signal in the oscilloscope window.
1. PicoScope PC
Oscilloscope
2. Oscilloscope
USB port
3. Pico Technology
USB cable
4. PC
5. PC USB port
6. DC power lead
(if supplied)
Stop!
Do not connect the oscilloscope until the software has been successfully installed.